 |
| Picture taken from BBC.com |
Dogs are famous animals in Turkmenistan as they are frequently used by the country’s traditional herders. Alabai breed of dog is greater than the regular size of the dog with great stamina and strength.
Alabai is the Central Asian Shepherd Dog and an ancient livestock guardian dog breed. The statue is cast of bronze and is covered in 24-carat gold leaf, standing tall at 20 feet and the podium measuring 30 feet.
It is said to reach a total height of 50 feet. It has featured a LED screen which shows footage of this breed dog in diverse circumstances. This unveiling ceremony was commemorated at a huge level including singing, dance and a real Alabai puppy.
This statue is on the traffic circle of Ashgabat which is made to honour the central Asian Shepherd dog. The standing statue with its head held high reflects the pride and self-confidence. According to Eurasianet, the monument is located in a residential area which is constructed for civil servants.
President Berdymukhamedov's Love For Animals
Mr Berdymukhamedov has many times expressed his love for animals like local Ahal Teke horses, known for their beauty and strength. This is not the first time when the animal statue is unveiled but back in 2015, a golden statue of the president riding a horse was disclosed.
Mr Berdymukhamedov has occasionally gifted a horse or a puppy to leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and the Qatari emir with whom he shares a friendly relationship. Last year he dedicated a book to this breed of dog to honour them.
Once during a weekly cabinet meeting, he narrated a poem inspired by the dog’s qualities which he has composed by himself. A few days before a video of the incident went viral on social media where Mr Berdymukhamedov was criticised and trolled for the way he was handling the dog while giving the dog to Mr Putin.
He took the dog by the neck and held it in the air, while Mr Putin held the dog with care and love. By unveiling the statue of a dog, Mr Berdymukhamedov gave a befitting reply to the trollers.
Importance of Animals in Turkmenistan
Dogs are considered as the human's best friend. This applies totally to people of Turkmenistan. This country consists of 70% areas of sand so many traditional herders use dogs and horses.
A dog fight is a very popular form of entertainment in Turkmenistan. These animals are seen as national pride. They are used for guarding sheep and goat and also for guarding homes.
The Contradicting Truth About The President’s Love For Animals
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov’s love for animals and what is happening on the road of Turkmenistan is contradictory. Many Ashgabat citizens said that they frequently notice dog-hunting teams beating animals to the verge of death before throwing their bodies into the back of trucks.
President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, also known as Arkadag or protector, is ruling from 2007. He has not been only regulating public life but also has full control over the media.
The government-controlled news agencies ignored a violent ongoing campaign by city labourers in the Ashgabat, to kill stray animals. Other people also mentioned that they are very familiar to see stray dogs and cats killed in their neighbourhoods.
When this issue of mass killings of the strays was raised by animal activists and media reports, Turkmen authorities declared that soon they will open a shelter for homeless domestic animals and will start a fundraising campaign for this plan.
Status of Coronavirus in Turkmenistan
The government inactivity towards the economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis has drastically affected the pre-existing presence of food. Amid this rising financial crisis, Turkmenistan unveiling of the golden statue of a dog can't be justified.
Though love and respect for animals are mandatory yet this situation was not appropriate for this. The government of Turkmenistan has alleged to have not detected any COVID-19 cases so far despite its neighbouring Iran country having a high number of infections and deaths from the virus.
This ignorance by the government will drastically affect the public's safety. Even Turkmenistan has banned the word coronavirus and has made it a rule that wearing the masks will be considered illegal. These are steps taken just to suppress information about the spread of the pandemic.
Turkmenistan: Known for Weird Things
It may be weird to hear the unveiling of a dog statue but Turkmenistan is known for strange things when it comes to both architecture and the bizarre rules that the locals have to accept the laws implemented by the President.
It is one of the most oppressive governed countries. Internet access in Turkmenistan is tightly controlled and many social media websites and apps are blocked here. Driving dirty cars are illegal. Also driving a black car is banned.
The capital city Ashgabat holds the Guinness book of world records like having the world's largest Ferris wheel in an enclosed area and the highest density of white marble-clad buildings. It is one of the least visited and isolated countries in the world.
Edited By - Christeena George
Written by - Supriya Singh
0 Comments